Visia complexion analysis: Attractive skin

In the December 2007 Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology there is an article that analyzes what makes skin attractive. The authors suggest that men and boys have developed preferences for skin that signals youth and health. The study showed isolated patches of cheek skin to volunteers and asked them to estimate the age of the person. They found that even skin color was a key component in attractive skin, and the age estimates were relatively accurate. Even skin color is viewed as healthy and beautiful.

We now have a scientific way to evaluate the quality of the skin, the Visia Complexion Analysis . This device was originally developed by Procter and Gamble as a research tool to study skin characteristics and how they could be changed by various treatments. Now this system is used in clinical practice to provide an accurate assessment of the current condition of your skin and to devise a treatment plan that will improve the quality of the skin, and the evenness of skin color.
The Visia System is a sophisticated camera that takes both visible light, polarized light and ultraviolet photographs. The images are then processed by a computer that contains a database of 10,000 people.
The report that is produced gives information on spots, both brown and red, pores, wrinkles, skin texture (skin smoothness), porphyrins (bacterial waste products) and UV spots which represent damage present beneath the skin surface but not yet visible at the surface of the skin. Taken together this information gives you an accurate gauge of the health of your skin, which is interpreted by those around you as a reflection of your health and vitality.
Having a Visia Complexion Analysis is a great way to begin a rational skin care program. While the system is not available everywhere, there is no other device that even comes close to providing the same or similar information. If you have access to this system I'd strongly recommend taking advantage of it.

Gerald N. Bock MD
Stockton, CA
California Skin Laser Center